Some people think the movie has been doomed from the start, but can a popular daytime talk show host swoop in and save the day?

Wendy Williams announced Friday morning that she is taking on the role of executive producer of the movie, tentatively titled Aaliyah: Princess of R&B. It’s based on the best-seller Aaliyah: More Than a Woman by former Time magazine music editor Christopher Farley.

On top of announcing her role as the executive producer, Williams also divulged who would now play the lead role, since Coleman is no longer involved: Alexandra Shipp. She is most notable for her role as K.T. Rush on the show House of Anubis and has also appeared on Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Switched at Birth and Victorious.

At the height of Aaliyah’s career and rumored marriage to R. Kelly, Williams didn’t bite her tongue when speaking about the pair on her radio show. It’ll be interesting to see what Aaliyah’s family has to say now. Aaliyah: Princess of R&B will air in the fall on the Lifetime network.

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Yesha Callahan is editor of The Grapevine and a staff writer at The Root. Follow her on Twitter.